My Diwali:East Meets West
Author :
Sassy Fork
Blog :Chronicles Of The Sassy Fork
Date: 10/27/2011 3:33:00 PM
This time Diwali in Mumbai is full of colour and lights and yes,noise and a joyous spirit.As always, lots of Diwali snacks or "faraal" are made at home and now also bought from stores (such as Godbole's) by pre-ordering.With most of the younger generation being abroad,there's a long line of elderly parents at these shops to send these goodies to their children.With the foodstuff, their children also receive "utna" which is used for the early morning bath on Diwali day.Most of the snacks used to be fried but with the health conscious generation,some of it is now baked...be it the diamond shaped Shankarpala or the circular Chakli.
After all the indulgences,we decided to have a light European meal at The Tasting Room at Lower Parel.We started with the Watermelon and Feta Salad which had rectangular slices of juicy watermelon with soft Feta drizzled on top and served with distinctive rocket leaves.It was a great start and was ordered by many people there.What surprised me was that the large restaurant was full on a Diwali day! People's palates have changed.
Chilli Basil Prawns followed and they were cooked just right and were light yet flavoursome,served on a slice of bread.
The main course was the Seared Salmon with Broccoli.The salmon was pink and firm reminding one of the ocean it came from and the broccoli was cooked slightly crisp and complemented the fish well.Who says healthy food isn't tasty?
At the end,the very citrussy,zingy Passion Fruit and Mango Sorbet was the right thing to light up my senses!
The warehouse look of the restaurant, its brilliant old age decor with lots of lamps,the friendly service and the buzz of the people around, all reminded us that it was Diwali...a time for cheer,hope,happiness and celebration